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Abstract:

According to one embodiment, a terminal display control method for using
as a controller of a game a terminal device including a touch panel,
which is configured to be integral with a display, includes selecting a
controller image which is used in the game; setting at least one of a
presence/absence of a function, a number, a size, a shape and a position
of disposition, with respect to an operation element in the controller
image; and making variable, in accordance with a content of the setting,
a state of the controller image displayed on the display, and an
operation standard of the operation element corresponding to an input on
the touch panel.

Claims:

1. A terminal display control method for using as a controller of a game
a terminal device including a touch panel which is configured to be
integral with a display, comprising: selecting a controller image which
is used in the game; setting at least one of a presence/absence of a
function, a number, a size, a shape and a position of disposition, with
respect to an operation element in the controller image; and making
variable, in accordance with a content of the setting, a state of the
controller image displayed on the display, and an operation standard of
the operation element corresponding to an input on the touch panel.

2. The terminal display control method of claim 1, further comprising
setting a single drawing operation on a plurality of buttons, which are a
plurality of neighboring operation elements, as a successive operation of
the plurality of buttons.

3. The terminal display control method of claim 1, further comprising
setting an operation on a range including an area between a plurality of
buttons, which are a plurality of neighboring operation elements, as a
simultaneous operation of the plurality of buttons.

4. The terminal display control method of claim 3, wherein the range
including the area between the plurality of buttons, which enables the
simultaneous operation of the plurality of buttons, is made arbitrarily
settable.

5. The terminal display control method of claim 3, wherein the range
including the area between the plurality of buttons, which enables the
simultaneous operation of the plurality of buttons, is made settable,
based on a simultaneous operation of the plurality of buttons during a
predetermined period.

6. The terminal display control method of claim 1, further comprising
setting a position of disposition of an operation element which is
representative of an analog stick.

7. The terminal display control method of claim 6, further comprising
detecting an amount and a direction of a displacement of an operation
position on the operation element; and moving the position of disposition
of the operation element, based on the amount and the direction of the
displacement of the operation position.

8. The terminal display control method of claim 6, wherein the position
of disposition of the operation element is restricted in accordance with
a display range of the display.

9. The terminal display control method of claim 1, further comprising
restricting a condition of the setting in accordance with a condition of
progress of the game.

10. A terminal display system for executing a game between a plurality of
terminal devices via a network, a first terminal device of the plurality
of terminal devices functioning as a shared device, the first terminal
device comprising: an operation acceptance unit configured to accept
information based an operation in a second terminal device of the
plurality of terminal devices, the second terminal device being other
than the shared device; and a game progress unit configured to display a
game image which reflects the information accepted by the operation
acceptance unit upon a content of the game, the second terminal device
comprising: a display; a touch panel configured to be integral with the
display; an image acceptance unit configured to accept a controller image
used in the game; a setup unit configured to set at least one of a
presence/absence of a function, a number, a size, a shape and a position
of disposition, with respect to an operation element in the controller
image accepted by the image acceptance unit; and a control unit
configured to make variable, in accordance with a content of the setting
by the setup unit, a state of the controller image displayed on the
display, and an operation standard of the operation element corresponding
to an input on the touch panel.

11. A server apparatus for providing a game to a plurality of terminal
devices which are connected via a network and each of which includes a
touch panel configured to be integral with a display, the server
apparatus comprising: a sharing setup unit configured to accept an
operation for setting up a shared device configured to display an image
for sharing, the shared device being included in the plurality of
terminal devices; an operation acceptance unit configured to accept
information based on operation in a terminal device other than the shared
device; a game progress unit configured to cause the terminal device,
which is the shared device, to display a game image which reflects the
information accepted by the operation acceptance unit upon a content of
the game; a first transmission unit configured to transmit a controller
image, which is used in the game, to the terminal device other than the
shared device, and to cause the terminal device other than the shared
device to display the controller image; a setup acceptance unit
configured to set at least one of a presence/absence of a function, a
number, a size, a shape and a position of disposition, with respect to an
operation element in the controller image, based on an operation in the
terminal device other than the shared device; and a control unit
configured to make variable, in accordance with a content of setting by
the setup acceptance unit, a state of the controller image displayed on
the display of the terminal device other than the shared device, and an
operation standard of the operation element corresponding to an input on
the touch panel.

12. The server apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a second
transmission unit configured to transmit, in accordance with progress of
the game, a standby image for waiting for an operation, in place of the
controller image used in the game, to the terminal device other than the
shared device, and to cause the terminal device other than the shared
device to display the standby image.

13. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon a
terminal display control program for using as a controller of a game a
terminal device including a touch panel which is configured to be
integral with a display, the program being executable by a computer, the
program controlling the computer to execute functions of: selecting a
controller image which is used in the game; setting at least one of a
presence/absence of a function, a number, a size, a shape and a position
of disposition, with respect to an operation element in the controller
image; and making variable, in accordance with a content of the setting,
a state of the controller image displayed on the display, and an
operation standard of the operation element corresponding to an input on
the touch panel.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority
from Japanese Patent Application No. 2013-017770, filed on Jan. 31, 2013,
the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to a terminal display control method
with use of a smartphone, a tablet terminal, etc., a terminal display
system, and a server apparatus.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] There has been developed a technique aiming at giving greater
enjoyment to a plurality of players by enhancing the importance of audio
inputs of players, giving a sense of community among plural players, and
giving a feeling of achievement by progressing a game with the
cooperation of plural players, or, to be more specific, a technique in
which plural characters on a game perform specific actions, which are
different from normal actions, only when plural players utter speeches at
substantially the same time (for example, Patent document 1).

[0007] Patent document 1 relates to a technique of a game program which
progresses by causing a plurality of characters, which are displayed on a
display screen, to perform desired actions by operations of different
players. An example, in which a home game machine and a controller for
exclusive use in the game machine are used, is disclosed in the
description of "Embodiment of the Invention" (paragraph

[0017] onwards),
and in the drawings (FIG. 1, etc.).

[0008] In the meantime, in recent years, mobile terminals called
"smartphones" have been gaining in popularity, taking the place of
conventional mobile phones called "feature phones". The smartphone
includes a touch panel which is formed integral with a relatively large
display screen with a diagonal of about 4 inches or more, and has an
upgraded data communication function.

[0009] In addition, there have been an increasing number of people who
carry tablet-type personal computers (hereinafter referred to as "tablet
terminals") each having a large display screen with a diagonal of about
10 inches or more and having a communication function, in order to meet
the need for a larger display screen than the smartphone.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a terminal
display control method, a terminal display system and a server apparatus,
which can realize an environment in which a smartphone or a tablet
terminal, which is possessed by a general user, can be effectively used,
and a game can be easily enjoyed, with a personal habit in operation of
each user being taken into account.

[0011] In general, according to one embodiment, a terminal display control
method for using as a controller of a game a terminal device including a
touch panel, which is configured to be integral with a display, includes
accepting a controller image which is used in the game; setting at least
one of a presence/absence of a function, a number, a size, a shape and a
position of disposition, with respect to an operation element in the
controller image; and making variable, in accordance with a content of
the setting, a state of the controller image displayed on the display,
and an operation standard of the operation element corresponding to an
input on the touch panel.

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to realize an
environment in which a smartphone or a tablet terminal, which is
possessed by a general user, can be effectively used, and a game can be
easily enjoyed, with a personal habit in operation of each user being
taken into account.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute
a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention, and
together with the general description given above and the detailed
description of the embodiments given below, serve to explain the
principles of the invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an example of an environment of
realization of a game system according to a first embodiment of the
present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional hardware
configuration of electronic circuits which are common to a tablet
terminal and a smartphone in the embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 3 is a sequence chart illustrating process contents as a
whole, from the start to the execution of a game between a master device
and a slave device according to the embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating a case in which two smartphones
select controller images of the same pattern in association with the
tablet terminal according to the embodiment, and execute a game.

[0018] FIG. 5 is a view for describing examples of selection of buttons
for moving a character in the embodiment, and respective operations.

[0019] FIG. 6 is a view for describing an operation of a button simulating
an analog stick for moving a character in the embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 7 is a view for describing a successive operation on two
neighboring buttons in the embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 8 is a view for describing a simultaneous operation on two
neighboring buttons in the embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 9 is a view for describing a first method and a second method
for variably setting a detection area of a simultaneous operation on two
neighboring buttons in the embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 10 is a view for describing a third method for variably
setting a detection area of a simultaneous operation on two buttons in
the embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 11 is a view for describing a method of disposing a button at
an arbitrary position in the embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 12 is a view for describing a method of correcting of a button
which has been disposed at an arbitrary position in the embodiment.

[0026] FIG. 13 is a view illustrating an example of an environment of
realization of a game system according to a second embodiment of the
invention.

[0027] FIG. 14 is a sequence chart illustrating process contents as a
whole during a game between a game server apparatus, a master device and
a slave device in the embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a case in which two smartphones
alternately select a controller image in association with a tablet
terminal in the embodiment, and execute a game.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

First Embodiment

[0029] A game system according to a first embodiment of the present
invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 is a view for describing an example of a system environment
according to the embodiment. In FIG. 1, a tablet terminal M, which
functions as a shared device, and a plurality of smartphones, for
example, four smartphones S1 to S4, which are operated by users, are
mutually wirelessly connected by a Bluetooth® technology which is a
near-field wireless communication standard.

[0031] A game is executed by a system configuration including the tablet
terminal M and smartphones S1 to S4. In this example, the tablet terminal
M functions as a master device which becomes a "parent" in the course of
game progress. The tablet terminal M executes the progress of the game
and the display of the game image in association with operations in the
respective smartphones S1 to S4.

[0032] The tablet terminal M should desirably have a larger display screen
than the smartphones S1 to S4, but the tablet terminal M may be a mobile
terminal having the same configuration as the smartphones S1 to S4.

[0033] On the other hand, each of the smartphones S1 to S4 is a slave
device which becomes a "child", and functions as a game controller which
is operated by each user. Each smartphone, S1 to S4, displays an image of
the game controller on its display, and transmits, upon accepting a user
operation by an operation on the touch panel, a corresponding operation
signal to the tablet terminal M.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional hardware
configuration of electronic circuits which are common to the tablet
terminal M and smartphones S1 to S4. In FIG. 2, a CPU 11 executes a
control operation of the entirety of the tablet terminal M (or
smartphone, S1 to S4). A main memory 12, a solid-state drive (SSD) 13, a
3G & 4G communication unit 14, a wireless LAN communication unit 15, a
near-field wireless communication unit 16, an external memory card 17, a
display 18, a touch panel input unit 19, a key input unit 20, an audio
processor 21, an image processor 22, a 3-axis acceleration sensor 23, and
a vibrator 24 are connected to the CPU 11 via a system bus SB.

[0035] The CPU 11 reads out operation programs (an OS and an application
program running on the OS) stored in the solid-state drive 13 and routine
data, develops and loads them in the main memory 12, and executes the
programs, thereby comprehensively controlling the entire operation of the
tablet terminal M (or smartphone, S1 to S4).

[0036] The main memory 12 is composed of, for example, an SRAM, and
functions as a work memory of the CPU 11. The solid-state drive 13 is
composed of a nonvolatile memory, for instance, a flash memory, and
stores, as a storage medium of the tablet terminal M (or smartphone, S1
to S4), various contents such as image data and song data, as well as the
above-described operation programs and various routine data.

[0037] The 3G & 4G communication unit 14 is a communication unit which
operates in a dual mode, and transmits/receives data to/from a nearby
base station (not shown) via an antenna 25, based on a third-generation
mobile communication system according to the IMT-2000 standard, and a
fourth-generation mobile communication system according to the
IMT-Advance standard.

[0038] The wireless LAN communication unit 15 transmits/receives data
to/from a nearby access point (not shown) or the like via an antenna 26,
based on, for example, the IEEE802.11a/b/g/n standard.

[0040] The external memory card 17 is a medium for expanding the storage
capacity of the solid-state drive 13. The external memory card 17 is
detachably attached by a user of the tablet terminal M (or smartphone, S1
to S4).

[0041] The display 18 is composed of a backlight-equipped TFT color liquid
crystal panel, and a driving unit thereof. The display 18 displays
various images.

[0042] The touch panel input unit 19 is configured to be integral with the
display 18 by using a transparent electrode. The touch panel input unit
19 generates and outputs two-dimensional position coordinate information
which corresponds to a touch operation by the user.

[0043] The key input unit 20 is composed of some key switches including a
power key and a shutter key of a camera function, which are provided on
the outer surface of the casing of the tablet terminal M (or smartphone,
S1 to S4), and a driving circuit of these key switches.

[0044] The audio processor 21 converts digital audio data, which is
delivered via the system bus SB, to an analog audio signal, and outputs
the analog audio signal from a speaker 28. In addition, the audio
processor 21 samples an analog audio signal, which is input from a
microphone 29, converts the analog audio signal to digital data and
outputs the digital data.

[0045] The image processor 22 converts to digital data an image signal
which is output from a solid-state imaging device 31 in accordance with
an optical image which is focused on an imaging surface of the
solid-state imaging device 31 via an optical lens system 30. The
solid-state imaging device 31 is composed of, for example, a CCD (Charge
Coupled Device) or a CMOS image sensor. The image processor 22 creates
and outputs file data which is compressed in data amount by a preset file
format, for example, by JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) in the
case of a still image.

[0046] Next, an operation of the first embodiment is described.

[0047] The operation to be described below is executed after the CPU 11 in
each of the tablet terminal M and smartphones S1 to S4 has read out the
operation programs stored in the solid-state drive 13, as described
above, and has developed and loaded the operation programs in the main
memory 12. The operation programs stored in the solid-state drive 13 are
not limited to programs which were stored in the solid-state drive 13 at
a time of factory shipment of the tablet terminal M (or smartphone, S1 to
S4), and may be programs which are input from the outside by the user of
the tablet terminal M (or smartphone, S1 to S4) via the antenna 25 and 3G
& 4G communication unit 14, or the antenna 26 and wireless LAN
communication unit 15.

[0048] FIG. 3 is a sequence chart illustrating process contents as a
whole, from the start to the execution of a game between the tablet
terminal M that is a master device and the smartphone, S1 to S4, that is
a slave device.

[0049] To begin with, a pairing process based on the Bluetooth®
standard is executed between the tablet terminal M and the smartphone, S1
to S4, thereby establishing a wireless connection state between the
tablet terminal M functioning as the master device and the smartphone, S1
to S4, functioning as the slave device (step M101, S101). It is assumed
that this pairing process, if once executed between the tablet terminal M
and the smartphone, S1 to S4, can be omitted when the game is to be
executed at the second and following times.

[0050] Thereafter, the tablet terminal M starts an application program for
the master device of the associated game (step M102). On the other hand,
each of the smartphones S1 to S4 starts an application program for the
slave device of the associated game (step M102).

[0051] A controller image, which is used in the game, is designated from
the tablet terminal M to the smartphone, S1 to S4 (step M103). As regards
the designation of the controller image, it is possible to designate
choices of plural patterns of the controller image if these patterns
include operation elements such as buttons and analog sticks necessary
for the game, so that the user can select an arbitrary controller image
on the side of the smartphone, S1 to S4.

[0052] Each of the smartphones S1 to S4 chooses an arbitrary one among
plural controller images, where necessary, and executes setup of the
controller in accordance with an operation on the touch panel input unit
19 (step S103).

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of the case in which smartphones S1
and S2 select controller images of the same pattern in association with
the tablet terminal M, and execute a game. In this game, the display 18
of the tablet terminal M displays a character C1 which operates by an
operation on the smartphone S1, and a character C2 which operates by an
operation on the smartphone S2, and these characters C1 and C2 are moved
so that either of them may finish the goal line earlier.

[0054] In this case, in the controller image displayed on the smartphone
S1, S2, it is assumed that the start and end of the game, the operation
of the speed of movement, the obstruction to the other character, etc.
can be executed by operations of buttons indicated by "1" to "8", and the
basic direction of movement of the character is operated by an operation
of, for example, a cross (+) key "9".

[0055] In addition, two operation elements ASL and ASR, which simulate
analog sticks on the lower side of the screen, are not used in this game
and are indicated by broken lines.

[0056] After the setup of the controller image in step S103, the CPU 11 of
the smartphone, S1 to S4, determines customization setup by an arbitrary
selection by the user. Specifically, the CPU 11 determines whether or not
to make variable, and set, at least one of a presence/absence of a
function, a number, a size, a shape and a position of disposition, with
respect to an operation element in the controller image, based on an
operation on the touch panel input unit 19 (step S104).

[0057] If the user has executed an associated operation in order to
customize the controller image, the CPU 11 executes, upon receiving this
operation, a necessary customization process (step S105). Concrete
various customization processes will be described later in detail.

[0058] After executing the customization process in accordance with the
user's option, the smartphone, S1 to S4, notifies the tablet terminal M
that the game is ready to start, in accordance with a user operation
(step S106).

[0059] The tablet terminal M stands by for the notification that the game
is ready to start, from all the smartphones S1 to S4 which have
established the connection state by the pairing process in step M101
(step M104). After confirming all the notifications, the tablet terminal
M notifies the start of the game to the smartphones S1 to S4 (step M105).

[0060] After designating the start of the game, the tablet terminal M
executes a game progress process and updates the display on the display
device 18 (step M106), and transmits to the smartphones S1 to S4, where
necessary, the information about images which are to be displayed on the
game on the smartphones S1 to S4 that display the controller images, for
example, the information about images of operation buttons which are
temporarily enabled or scores (step M107).

[0061] Further, the tablet terminal M determines whether an operation
signal from any one of the smartphones S1 to S4 has been received (step
M108). If it is determined that the operation signal has been received,
the tablet terminal M executes a reception process of the received
operation signal (step M109), and returns to the process from M106 so as
to transition to the next game development by utilizing the received
operation signal where necessary.

[0062] In this manner, the tablet terminal M repeatedly executes the
process of the above steps M106 to M109, thereby continuing to control
the progress of the game while accepting operation signals from the
smartphones S1 to S4.

[0063] On the other hand, after notifying the tablet terminal M in step
S106 that the game is ready to start, the smartphones S1 to S4 start the
game upon receiving the notification of the start of the game from the
tablet terminal M which has responded to the notification by the
smartphones S1 to S4 (step S107).

[0064] Each of the smartphones S1 to S4 determines whether an image for an
operation, for instance, which is sent from the tablet terminal M, has
been received (step S108). If the image for an operation has been
received, the smartphone, S1 to S4, executes a process of, for example,
reflecting the display of the controller image on the display 18, based
on the received information (step S109).

[0065] Furthermore, each of the smartphones S1 to S4 determines whether an
operation has been executed in accordance with an operation signal from
the touch panel input unit 19 (step S110). If it is determined that the
operation has been executed, the smartphone, S1 to S4, generates an
operation signal corresponding to this operation, and transmits the
operation signal to the tablet terminal M (step S111).

[0066] In addition, the smartphone, S1 to S4, returns to the process from
step S108, after executing correction setup on operation elements such as
the operated buttons, based on the contents of the operations determined
in step S110 and the operation history thus far.

[0067] In this manner, by repeatedly executing the process of steps S108
to S112 hereafter, the smartphone, S1 to S4, continues the game by
accepting the user's input operation on the controller image, and also
continues the correction process on the operation elements such as the
buttons, analog sticks, etc. displayed on the display 18.

[0068] In the meantime, it is assumed that the customization process on an
arbitrary game controller by the user in step S105 may be executed not
only before the start of the game, but also during the game after the
start of the game.

[0069] Next, a description will be given of some concrete examples of the
above-described customization process of the game controller and the
correction process.

[0070] FIG. 5 is a view for describing a controller image including a
button which may be selected by a customization process by the user of
the smartphone, S1 to S4, and an operation of moving a character in
accordance with a button operation.

[0071] Parts (A-1) and (A-2) of FIG. 5 illustrate an example in which a
controller image including a button B11, which is generally called "cross
key" and instructs a movement in one of four directions by one button,
has been selected in a customization process in a smartphone Sn (n: any
one of 1 to 4). Parts (A-1) and (A-2) of FIG. 5 show, by way of example,
states of movement of a character Cn (n: any one of 1 to 4) which is
displayed on the tablet terminal M in accordance with an operation of the
button B11, when this operation has been executed. Part (A-1) of FIG. 5
illustrates a state in which the user executes a pressing operation on a
"right" side of the button B11, as indicated by an arrow A11, and thereby
the associated character Cn moves to the "right" side on the display 18
of the tablet terminal M.

[0072] Thereafter, as shown in part (A-2) of FIG. 5, the user releases the
pressing operation on the "right" side of the button B11, as indicated by
an arrow A12. Thereby, on the display 18 of the tablet terminal M, the
corresponding character Cn stops the movement to the "right" side.

[0073] Part (B) of FIG. 5 illustrates a case in which a controller image
including a button B12, which instructs a movement in any one of eight
directions by one button, has been selected in the smartphone Sn (n: any
one of 1 to 4), and the button B12 has been operated, and part (B) of
FIG. 5 shows, by way of example, a state of movement of the character Cn
(n: any one of 1 to 4) which is displayed on the tablet terminal M in
accordance with the operation of the button B12.

[0074] Part (B) of FIG. 5 illustrates a state in which the user executes a
pressing operation on a "lower right" side of the button B12, as
indicated by an arrow A12, and thereby the associated character Cn moves
to the "lower right" side on the display 18 of the tablet terminal M.

[0075] Part (C) of FIG. 5 illustrates a case in which a controller image
including a button B13, which instructs a movement in any one of four
directions by four independent buttons, has been selected in the
smartphone Sn (n: any one of 1 to 4), and this button B13 has been
operated, and part (C) of FIG. 5 shows, by way of example, a state of
movement of the character Cn (n: any one of 1 to 4) which is displayed on
the tablet terminal M in accordance with this operation of the button
B13.

[0076] Part (C) of FIG. 5 illustrates a state in which the user executes a
pressing operation on a "right" side of the button B13, as indicated by
an arrow A13, and thereby the associated character Cn moves to the
"right" side on the display 18 of the tablet terminal M.

[0077] FIG. 6 is a view for describing a controller image including a
button simulating an analog stick which may be selected by a
customization process by the user of the smartphone, S1 to S4, and an
operation of moving a character in accordance with a button operation.

[0078] In this example, a button simulating an analog stick is expressed
as a button image B21 having a shape of two concentric circles (in a
state in which no operation is executed). An inner circle of the button
image B21 is indicative of an operation element, and an outer circle is
indicative of an operation range. The button image B21 is displayed such
that the position of the inner circle moves in accordance with a touch
position by slide-operating and moving the inner circle in an arbitrary
direction while touch-operating the inner circle within the range of the
outer circle. By detecting the movement direction and movement amount of
the touch operation on the button image B21, it becomes possible to
display the character Cn in a manner to arbitrarily move in any direction
over the range of 360° in a stepless manner, in accordance with
the movement speed of the touch operation.

[0079] Specifically, as shown in part (A) of FIG. 6, the user performs a
touch operation within the inner circle of the button B21 by the
smartphone Sn (n: any one of 1 to 4), as indicated by an arrow A21, and
performs, while keeping the touch state, a slide operation to an "upper
right" side, as indicated by an arrow A22 in part (B) of FIG. 6. Thereby,
a coordinate value "+3, +2" indicative of the operation direction is
detected by the touch panel input unit 19. In the tablet terminal M, the
display 18 displays the character Cn in a manner to move in the "upper
right" direction in accordance with the coordinate value.

[0080] Further, from the state in which the touch operation of the inner
circle of the button B21 is performed as shown in part (B) of FIG. 6, a
slide operation of the inner circle is performed to a "lower left" side,
as indicated by an arrow A23 in part (C) of FIG. 6. Thereby, a coordinate
value "-5, -5" indicative of the operation direction is detected by the
touch panel input unit 19. In the tablet terminal M, the display 18
displays the character Cn in a manner to move in the "lower left"
direction in accordance with this coordinate value.

[0081] Thereafter, as shown in part (D) of FIG. 6, if the touch operation
of the inner circle of the button B21 by the user is released as
indicated by an arrow A24, the tablet terminal M stops the movement of
the character Cn to the "lower left" side on the display 18.

[0082] FIG. 7 is a view for describing a successive operation on two
neighboring buttons in the controller image, which may be selected by the
user of the smartphone, S1 to S4, in the customization process.

[0083] In this case, at the time of customization setup, the display 18 is
caused to display, for example, a guide message "when successive keys are
set up, execute an operation across the `α` button and `β`
button at a time", and an image of an operation example. The smartphone,
S1 to S4, accepts the operation across the "α" button and "β"
button, and thereby the successive keys can be set up.

[0084] In this example, two windows W11 and W12 are displayed in a game
image on the display 18 of the tablet terminal M, and two neighboring
buttons B31 and B32 are displayed on the smartphone Sn (n: any one of 1
to 4). A description is given of the case in which an item "α" is
temporarily displayed in the window W11 when the button B31 has been
touch-operated, and an item "β" is temporarily displayed in the
window W12 when the button B32 has been touch-operated.

[0085] Specifically, as shown in part (A) of FIG. 7, the user
touch-operates, as indicated by an arrow A31, an outside area on the left
side of the button B31 which is the left-side one of the two neighboring
buttons B31 and B32 of the smartphone Sn. While keeping the touch state,
the user performs a slide operation to the "right" side, as indicated by
an arrow A32 in part (B) of FIG. 7.

[0086] In part (C) of FIG. 7, at a time when the touch position has
entered the area of the button B31, as indicated by an arrow A33, the
touch panel input unit 19 detects this state, and a corresponding
operation signal is transmitted from the smartphone Sn to the tablet
terminal M. Thereby, on the tablet terminal M, the item "a" is caused to
appear in the window W11.

[0087] Thereafter, as shown in part (D) of FIG. 7, if the touch position
has moved out of the button B31 by a further slide operation as indicated
by an arrow A34, the touch panel input unit 19 detects that the touch
operation on the button B21 has been released, and the transmission of
the operation signal from the smartphone Sn to the tablet terminal M is
stopped. In the tablet terminal M, the display of the item "α" in
the window W11 is turned off.

[0088] In part (E) of FIG. 7, at a time when the touch position has
entered the area of the button B32 by a further slide operation, as
indicated by an arrow A35, the touch panel input unit 19 detects this
state, and a corresponding operation signal is transmitted from the
smartphone Sn to the tablet terminal M. Thereby, on the tablet terminal
M, the item "β" is caused to appear in the window W12.

[0089] In part (F) of FIG. 7, if the user has released the finger from the
touch panel input unit 19, as indicated by an arrow A36, the touch panel
input unit 19 detects that there is no longer the touch operation on the
button B32, and the transmission of the operation signal from the
smartphone Sn to the tablet terminal M is stopped. In the tablet terminal
M, the display of the item "β" in the window W12 is turned off.

[0090] FIG. 8 is a view for describing a simultaneous operation on two
neighboring buttons in the controller image, which may be selected by the
user of the smartphone, S1 to S4, in the customization process.

[0091] In this case, at the time of customization setup, the display 18 is
caused to display, for example, a guide message, "When simultaneous keys
are set up, execute an operation across two buttons that are to be set",
and an image of an operation example. The smartphone, S1 to S4, accepts
the operation across the "α" button and "β" button, and
thereby the simultaneous keys can be set up.

[0092] In this example, two windows W21 and W22 are displayed in a game
image on the display 18 of the tablet terminal M, and two neighboring
buttons B41 and B42 are displayed on the smartphone Sn (n: any one of 1
to 4). A description is given of the case in which, when an overlap area
including an area between the buttons B41 and B42 has been
touch-operated, an item "α" is displayed in the window W21
corresponding to the button B41, and at the same time an item "β" is
displayed in the window W22 corresponding to the button B42.

[0093] Specifically, in part (A) of FIG. 8, the user touch-operates, as
indicated by an arrow A41, an outside area on the left side of the button
B41 which is the left-side one of the two neighboring buttons B41 and B42
of the smartphone Sn. While keeping the touch state, the user performs a
slide operation to the right side, as indicated by an arrow A42 in part
(B) of FIG. 8.

[0094] In part (C) of FIG. 8, at a time when the touch position has
entered the area of the button B41, as indicated by an arrow A43, the
touch panel input unit 19 detects this state, and a corresponding
operation signal is transmitted from the smartphone Sn to the tablet
terminal M. Thereby, on the tablet terminal M, the item "a" is caused to
appear in the window W21.

[0095] Thereafter, as shown in part (D) of FIG. 8, if the touch position
has entered an area AR11, which includes an area between the button B41
and button B42 and spans between the button B41 and button B42, by a
further slide operation as indicated by an arrow A44, the touch panel
input unit 19 detects that the area corresponding to the two buttons has
been operated, and an operation signal is transmitted from the smartphone
Sn to the tablet terminal M. Upon receiving this operation signal, the
tablet terminal M simultaneously displays the item "β" in the window
W22, in addition to the display of the item "α" in the window W21.

[0096] In part (E) of FIG. 8, at a time when the touch position has moved
out of the area AR11 spanning between both buttons by a further slide
operation and has entered the area of only the next button B42, as
indicated by an arrow A45, the touch panel input unit 19 detects this
state, and a corresponding operation signal is transmitted from the
smartphone Sn to the tablet terminal M. Thereby, on the tablet terminal
M, the display of the item "α" in the window W21 is turned off, and
only the item "β" is displayed in the window W22.

[0097] In part (F) of FIG. 8, if the user has released the finger from the
touch panel input unit 19, as indicated by an arrow A46, the touch panel
input unit 19 detects that there is no longer the touch operation on the
button B42, and the transmission of the operation signal from the
smartphone Sn to the tablet terminal M is stopped. In the tablet terminal
M, the display of the item "β" in the window W22 is turned off.

[0098] FIG. 9 is a view for describing a first method and a second method
for variably setting a detection area of a simultaneous operation on two
neighboring buttons in a controller image, these methods being executed
by the user of the smartphone, S1 to S4, in the customization process.

[0099] It is now assumed that two buttons B51 and B52 are displayed
adjacent to each other with a proper gap on the display 18 of the
smartphone Sn (n: any one of 1 to 4), that an overlap area AR21, which
includes this gap and spans between both buttons, is displayed by a
broken line, and that an "Edit" button B50 is displayed on an upper left
end side of the screen.

[0100] In part (A) of FIG. 9, if the user touch-operates the "Edit" button
B50, as indicated by an arrow A51, the smartphone Sn switches the "Edit"
button B50 to a "Save" button B53, and transitions into an edit mode.

[0101] In part (B) of FIG. 9, if a pinch-out operation of the overlap area
AR21 is performed in the edit mode by the user by two fingers, as
indicated by an arrow A52, the smartphone Sn enlarges the overlap area
AR21.

[0102] Further, in part (C) of FIG. 9, if the two fingers are rotated
counterclockwise, as indicated by arrows A53 and A53', from the state of
the pinch-out operation, the smartphone Sn can incline and set the
enlarged overlap area AR21 in accordance with the rotational angle.

[0103] Thereafter, in part (D) of FIG. 9, if the user releases the fingers
from the touch panel input unit 19, as indicated by an arrow A54, at a
time point when the user has determined that the size, shape and
inclination of the overlap area AR21 are set in a desired state, the
smartphone Sn can set the overlap area AR21 in a provisional state.

[0104] In part (E) of FIG. 9, if the "Save" button B53 is touch-operated
in this state, as indicated by an arrow A55, the smartphone Sn sets the
overlap area AR21 at this time point as a finally determined overlap
area.

[0105] As regards the overlap area AR21 for determining a simultaneous
operation of the buttons B51 and B52, by executing this customization
setup, the personal habit in operation of the user can be taken into
account. For example, the shape of the overlap area AR21 can easily be
made adaptive to such a case that a drawing operation is performed in a
flipping manner from the lower left to the upper right. Thus, the
operability for the user is enhanced.

[0106] In addition, a description is given of a setup method of another
overlap area AR22, which is different from the method of parts (B) to (E)
of FIG. 9.

[0107] From the state described in part (A) of FIG. 9, if the user
touch-operates the "Edit" button B50, as indicated by an arrow A51, the
smartphone Sn switches the "Edit" button B50 to a "Save" button B53, and
transitions into an edit mode.

[0108] In this case, as shown in part (F) of FIG. 9, a touch operation by
a finger of the user is performed so as to surround a gap between the
buttons B51 and B52 on the touch panel input unit 19. In the smartphone
Sn, in accordance with the touch operation, a closed figure, as indicated
by an arrow D11, is drawn on the touch panel input unit 19.

[0109] In accordance with this operation, as shown in part (G) of FIG. 9,
the smartphone Sn sets the overlap area AR22 in a provisional state. If
the "Save" button B53 is touch-operated by the user, the overlap area
AR22 at this time point is finally determined, and the overlap area AR22
is set.

[0110] By executing setup by the customization based on the drawing
operation, the overlap area AR22 for determining the simultaneous
operation of the buttons B51 and B52 can be set more easily.

[0111] FIG. 10 is a view for describing a third method for variably
setting a detection area of a simultaneous operation on two neighboring
buttons in a controller image, the method being executed by the user of
the smartphone, S1 to S4, in the customization process.

[0112] In this method, two buttons B61 and B62 are displayed adjacent to
each other with a proper gap on the display 18 of the smartphone Sn (n:
any one of 1 to 4), that a "Start" button B60 is displayed on an upper
left end side of the screen, and that a guide message GM11, "Try X
times", is displayed on a lower end side of the screen. The guide message
GM11 gives an instruction to try point-position designation of a
detection area, and designates the number of times of try.

[0113] In part (A) of FIG. 10, if the user touch-operates the "Start"
button B60, as indicated by an arrow A61, the smartphone Sn switches the
"Start" button B60 to a "Cancel" button B63, and starts a trial of
point-position designation.

[0114] As shown in part (B) of FIG. 10, if point positions are
successively touch-operated by the user by the number of times
designated, so as to designate the above-described overlap area, the
smartphone Sn successively displays the touch-operated positions on the
display 18.

[0115] Then, as shown in part (C) of FIG. 10, at a time point when the
touch operation by the designated number of times has been completed, the
smartphone Sn sets an overlap area AR31, which includes the touch
positions of the designated number of times, in a provisional state, and
displays the overlap area AR31 on the display 18.

[0116] At this time, the smartphone Sn displays, on an upper end part of
the screen of the display 18, a "Yes" button B64 for finally determining
the overlap area AR31 and a "Retry" button B65 for retrying the setup, in
addition to the "Cancel" button B63, and also displays, on a lower end
part of the screen, a guide message GM12, "Is this OK?", which prompts
the user to select any one of the buttons.

[0117] If the "Retry" button B65 is touch-operated in this display state,
as indicated by an arrow A63, the smartphone Sn restores to the state,
shown in part (B) of FIG. 10, for accepting the designation of point
positions.

[0118] On the other hand, if the "Yes" button B64 is touch-operated, as
indicated by an arrow A62, the smartphone Sn sets the overlap area AR31,
as shown in part (D) of FIG. 10, by deeming that the overlap area AR31 at
that time point has been finally determined.

[0119] By the point-position designation of the predetermined number of
times, the overlap area AR31 for determining the simultaneous operation
of the buttons B61 and B62, which is optimal for each user, can easily be
set.

[0120] FIG. 11 is a view for describing a method of disposing a button at
an arbitrary position in a controller image, the method being executed by
the user of the smartphone, S1 to S4, in the customization process.

[0121] As shown in part (A) of FIG. 11, in the smartphone Sn (n: any one
of 1 to 4), it is assumed that an arbitrary position has been
touch-operated by the user's finger, as indicated by an arrow A71, on the
display 18 which displays no image.

[0122] As illustrated in part (B) of FIG. 11, the smartphone Sn detects
the touch-operated position from the touch panel input unit 19, and
disposes and displays a button B71 at a corresponding position on the
display 18. The case is now illustrated that a button simulating an
analog stick is disposed as the button that is to be disposed.

[0123] The button B71 simulating the analog stick is expressed as a button
image B71 having a shape of two concentric circles (in a state in which
no operation is executed). In this case, an inner circle of the button
image B71 is indicative of an operation element, and an outer circle is
indicative of an operation range. The button image B71 is displayed such
that the inner circle is slide-operated and moved in an arbitrary
direction within the range of the outer circle, while the inner circle is
being touch-operated, and thereby the position of the inner circle moves
in accordance with the touch position. By detecting the movement
direction and movement amount of the touch operation on the button image
B71, it becomes possible to arbitrarily move the character Cn in any
direction over the range of 360° in a stepless manner, in
accordance with the movement speed of the touch operation.

[0124] Specifically, as shown in part (C) of FIG. 11, the user performs a
touch operation within the inner circle of the button B71 by the
smartphone Sn, as indicated by an arrow A72, and performs, while keeping
the touch state, a slide operation to a "left" side. Thereby, the inner
circle is moved and displayed within the range of the outer circle in
accordance with the operation position, and the operation signal is
transmitted to the tablet terminal M. In the tablet terminal M, the
corresponding character Cn is moved on the display 18 in the "left"
direction in accordance with the operation direction.

[0125] Thereafter, as shown in part (D) of FIG. 11, if the user releases
the finger from the display 18, as indicated by an arrow A73, the
smartphone Sn turns off the display of the button image B71 from the
display 18 in accordance with the detection by the touch panel input unit
19.

[0126] In this manner, as well as the button B71 simulating the analog
stick, another button or switch may be disposed and set at an arbitrary
position in the screen of the display 18. Thereby, a controller with high
operability matching with the preference of the user can be realized.

[0127] FIG. 12 is a view for describing a method of correcting of the
position of a button, in a case of operating the button as a controller
at a time when the user of the smartphone, S1 to S4, actually executes a
game.

[0128] In part (A) of FIG. 12, in the smartphone Sn (n: any one of 1 to
4), it is assumed that, when a game is executed, an arbitrary position
has been touch-operated by the user's finger on the display 18 which
displays no image, as indicated by an arrow A71.

[0129] As illustrated in part (B) of FIG. 12, the smartphone Sn detects
the touch-operated position from the touch panel input unit 19, and
disposes and displays a button B81, which simulates an analog stick, at a
corresponding position on the display 18.

[0130] The button B81 simulating the analog stick is expressed as a button
image having a shape of two concentric circles (in a state in which no
operation is executed). In this case, an inner circle of the button image
B81 is indicative of an operation element, and an outer circle is
indicative of an operation range. The button image B81 is displayed such
that the inner circle is slide-operated and moved in an arbitrary
direction within the range of the outer circle, while the inner circle is
being touch-operated, and thereby the position of the inner circle moves
in accordance with the touch position. By detecting the movement
direction and movement amount of the touch operation on the button image
B81, it becomes possible to arbitrarily move the character Cn in any
direction over the range of 360° in a stepless manner, in
accordance with the movement speed of the touch operation.

[0131] In the case of the button image B81 shown in part (B) of FIG. 12,
the position of the user's touch operation is at a right side end portion
of the display 18. Thus, the inner circle and outer circle of the button
image B81 cannot be displayed in a concentric shape in accordance with
the position of the touch operation. In this case, from the start of
display, the smartphone Sn displays the button image B81 in the state in
which the inner circle is moved to the right side within the outer circle
of the button image B81, and transmits the associated operation signal to
the tablet terminal M. In the tablet terminal M, the character Cn is
moved on the display 18 in the "right" direction in accordance with the
operation direction.

[0132] Thereafter, as shown in part (C) of FIG. 12, if the user has
executed an operation of releasing the finger from the touch panel input
unit 19 in a direction indicated by an arrow A82, the smartphone Sn stops
the display of the button B81 and stops the transmission of the operation
signal to the tablet terminal M, since the touch operation on the touch
panel input unit 19 stops. Accordingly, the tablet terminal M stops the
movement of the character Cn displayed on the display 18.

[0133] Subsequently, in part (D) of FIG. 12, if the user has
touch-operated once again the right side end portion of the touch panel
input unit 19 by the finger, as indicated by an arrow A83, the smartphone
Sn displays once again the button image 81 in the state in which the
inner circle is moved to the right side within the outer circle, and
transmits the associated operation signal to the tablet terminal M. In
the tablet terminal M, the character Cn is moved once again on the
display 18 in the "right" direction.

[0134] In this manner, even when the user of the smartphone Sn has
executed such an operation as to deviate from the display 18 and touch
panel input unit 19, while operating the smartphone Sn which displays the
controller image, the display range of the button image B81 is limited in
advance within the display range of the display 18, so that the button
image B81 may never be displayed outside the screen of the display 18.
Thus, at a time point when the operation by the user has been restored,
the immediately prior operation state is reproduced and the game is
continued. Therefore, the operability in the course of the game is not
degraded, and an operational error by the user can surely be corrected.

[0135] In addition, while the user is progressing the game, there are many
cases in which the user operates various operation buttons whose
positions were set by the user, without viewing the controller image that
is displayed on the display 18 of the smartphone Sn (n: any one of 1 to
4).

[0136] Thus, it may be thought that an operation is often executed outside
the range of the button, that is, outside the display 18 or touch panel
input unit 19, as described above. However, as illustrated in FIG. 12, by
newly moving the button image to the detected operation position of the
user, the operability of the touch panel input unit 19 can be secured.

[0137] In the above-described embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the
selection and setup of the controller image are executed before the start
of the game by the customization process. However, in the descriptions
including descriptions of FIG. 4 to FIG. 11, the customization process of
the selection and setup of the entire control image and the selection and
setup of respective buttons, etc., which constitutes the controller
image, may be executed at a proper time during the execution of the game.

[0138] As has been described above in detail, according to the embodiment,
it is possible to realize an environment in which a smartphone or a
tablet terminal, which is possessed by a general user, can be effectively
used, and a game can be easily enjoyed, with a personal habit in
operation of each user being taken into account.

[0139] In addition, in the embodiment, as described with reference to FIG.
7, a single drawing operation on a plurality of buttons, which are a
plurality of neighboring operation elements, can be set as a successive
operation of the plural buttons. It is thus possible to realize an
operation by the controller with higher operability, taking the user's
demand into account.

[0140] In the embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 8, an
operation on a range including an area between a plurality of buttons,
which are a plurality of neighboring operation elements, can be set as a
simultaneous operation of the plural buttons. It is thus possible to
realize an operation by the controller with higher operability, taking
the user's demand into account.

[0141] Furthermore, in the embodiment, as described with reference to FIG.
9, the range for determining the simultaneous operation can be
arbitrarily set by the user himself/herself. It is thus possible to
realize an operation by the controller with higher operability,
reflecting the user's demand in executing the game.

[0142] In addition, in the embodiment, as described with reference to FIG.
10, the range for determining the simultaneous operation can be set based
on the tendency in operation of the user. It is thus possible to realize
an operation by the controller with higher operability, which is suited
to each user in executing the game.

[0143] In the embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 11, the
position of the button simulating the analog stick, for which each user's
preference, in particular, tends to occur, can arbitrarily be set by the
user. It is thus possible to realize an operation by the controller with
higher operability, taking the user's demand into account.

[0144] Although not described in the above embodiment, for example, in the
case where the user executes an operation without viewing the controller
image displayed on the display 18 of the smartphone Sn (n: any one of 1
to 4) in the course of operating the button simulating the analog stick
having the position set by the user, it is thought that an operation is
often executed outside the range of the button. Thus, the CPU 11 may
detect the amount and direction of a displacement of the operation
position, based on the output from the touch panel input unit 19, and to
move and correct the position of the button simulating the analog stick,
based on the detected amount and direction of displacement of the
operation position.

[0145] Thereby, even when the user has mistaken an operation position of
the button simulating the analog stick, without being aware of the
mistake, it is possible to continue the game without uselessly
interrupting the game or suffering a disadvantage in the game.

[0146] Besides, in the embodiment, as described with reference to FIG. 12,
the operation position of the button simulating the analog stick is
limited within the screen of the display 18. It is thus possible to avoid
an operation error of the user, without degrading the operability of an
operation on, in particular, a peripheral end portion of the touch panel
input unit 19.

[0147] Although not described in the above embodiment, the condition of
progress of the game may be associated with the condition for
customization setup, for example, such that a specific customization
process cannot be executed depending on the condition of progress of the
game, for example, unless a specific item is obtained. Thereby, the
capabilities of the game are enhanced and various game environments can
be provided.

Second Embodiment

[0148] A game system according to a second embodiment of the present
invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying
drawings.

[0149] FIG. 13 is a view for describing an example of a system environment
according to the embodiment. In FIG. 13, a game is executed by a
structure including a tablet terminal M, which functions as a shared
device, and a plurality of smartphones, for example, four smartphones S1
to S4, which are operated by users. In this example, the tablet terminal
M functions as a master device which becomes a "parent" in the course of
the progress of the game. The tablet terminal M executes the progress of
the game and the display of the game image in association with operations
in the respective smartphones S1 to S4.

[0150] The tablet terminal M should desirably have a larger display screen
than the smartphones S1 to S4, but the tablet terminal M may be a mobile
terminal having the same configuration as the smartphones S1 to S4.

[0151] On the other hand, each of the smartphones S1 to S4 is a slave
device which becomes a "child", and functions as a game controller which
is operated by each user. Each smartphone, S1 to S4, displays an image of
the game controller on its display, and transmits, upon accepting a user
operation by an operation on the touch panel, a corresponding operation
signal to the tablet terminal M.

[0152] The tablet terminal M and smartphones S1 to S4 are connected to a
Web server apparatus SV over a network NW including the Internet, via an
access point (AP) B1 or a nearby base station B2.

[0153] It is assumed that the functional hardware configuration of
electronic circuits, which are common to the tablet terminal M and
smartphones S1 to S4, is basically the same as that illustrated in FIG.
2. The parts necessary in the description below are denoted by like
reference numerals, and the depiction and description of these parts are
omitted.

[0154] It is also assumed that the hardware configuration of electric
circuits of the Web server apparatus SV is the same as a general
configuration, and the depiction and description thereof are omitted.

[0155] Next, the operation of the second embodiment is described.

[0156] FIG. 14 is a sequence chart illustrating process contents as a
whole, which are executed during a game between the Web server apparatus
SV which comprehensively controls the entirety of the game, the tablet
terminal M that is a master device and the smartphones S1 to S4 that are
slave devices.

[0157] It is assumed that a game, which is executed in the present system,
is, for example, a general card game, in which the plural smartphones S1
to S4 execute necessary operations by turns according to a preset order.
It is also assumed that the user of the smartphone, S1 to S4, which does
not have its turn, merely views the condition of the game which is
displayed on the tablet terminal M, and does not need to execute any
operation.

[0158] The Web server apparatus SV during the game accepts reception of an
operation signal corresponding to the user's operation from that terminal
of the smartphones S1 to S4, which has its turn for an operation (step
S201), and repeatedly determines whether the reception has occurred (step
S202), thereby standing by for the reception of an operation signal from
the terminal.

[0159] If it is determined that an operation signal has been received from
the terminal of the smartphone, S1 to S4, which has its turn (Yes in step
S202), the Web server apparatus SV executes a progress process of the
game in accordance with the received operation signal (step S203),
updates the data of a shared image for the tablet terminal M, and
transmits the updated data of the shared image to the tablet terminal M,
thereby causing the tablet terminal M to display the shared image (step
S204).

[0160] The tablet terminal M always stands by for reception of an image
from the Web server apparatus SV (step S301). At a time point when the
image has been received, the tablet terminal M develops this image (step
302), and causes the display 18 to display the shared image (step S303).
Then, the tablet terminal M returns to the process from step S301,
thereby to receive the next image.

[0161] At this time, the Web server apparatus SV creates a standby image
and transmits this standby image to the smartphones other than the
smartphone Sn (n: any one of 1 to 4) which requires an operation in the
next turn, and causes each smartphone to display the standby image (step
S205).

[0162] Further, the Web server apparatus SV executes, with respect to the
smartphone Sn (n: any one of 1 to 4) which requires an operation in the
next turn, correction setup for an operation element such as a button to
be operated, taking into account the history information of up to the
previous operation signal (step S206), and transmits the data of the
controller image including the operation element such as a corrected
button to the smartphone Sn (step S207). The Web server apparatus SV
returns to the process from step S201, thereby to respond to an operation
on the operation element such as a button in the controller image.

[0163] On the other hand, the smartphone, S1 to S4, always stands by for
reception of an image from the Web server apparatus SV (step S401). At a
time point when the image has been received, the smartphone, S1 to S4,
develops the image (step S402), and determines whether the standby turn
comes next, according to whether the developed image is an image which
does not require a corresponding operation (step S403).

[0164] If the standby turn is determined, the smartphone, S1 to S4, causes
the display 18 to display the developed standby image (step S404),
temporarily disables an input by a touch operation or the like on the
touch panel input unit 19 to skip a useless input process, and returns to
the process from step S401, thereby to stand by for the next turn.

[0165] If the turn requiring an operation, and not the standby turn, is
determined in step S403, the smartphone Sn displays on the display 18 the
received image data, that is, the controller image in which the position,
size, etc. of the operation element, such as the button or the like, are
customized based on the operation history thus far (step S405), and
stands by for an operation which is to be executed (step S406).

[0166] Then, at a time point when an operation has been executed, based on
a signal from the touch panel input unit 19, the smartphone Sn transmits
an operation signal corresponding to this operation to the Web server
apparatus SV (step S407), and returns to the process from step S401.

[0167] FIG. 15 is a view illustrating a case in which the states of, in
particular, the tablet terminal M and smartphones S1 and S2 during the
execution of the game are extracted and illustrated.

[0168] Part (A) of FIG. 15 illustrates a state in which the smartphone S1,
which is operated by the user "Player A", has its turn of operation. In
this case, the tablet terminal M displays on the display 18 a guide
message "Turn of player A", and a shared image which is representative of
the conditions of the respective players corresponding to the progress of
the game at this time point.

[0169] On the other hand, the smartphone S1, which has its turn to require
execution of an operation, displays, for example, a cross button B91 on a
left end side of the screen in accordance with the controller image which
has been sent from the Web server apparatus SV. It is assumed that the
user has operated a "right" side part of the button B91, as indicated by
an arrow A91.

[0170] At this time, the smartphone S2, which does not have its turn,
displays an advertisement image WI1 as a standby image, which has been
transmitted from the Web server apparatus SV, and disables a touch
operation by the touch panel input unit 19.

[0171] Part (B) of FIG. 15 illustrates a state in which the operation by
the smartphone S1 was then finished and the smartphone S2, which is
operated by the user "Player B", has its turn. In this case, the tablet
terminal M displays on the display 18 a guide message "Turn of player B",
and a shared image which is representative of the conditions of the
respective players corresponding to the progress of the game at this time
point.

[0172] On the other hand, the smartphone S2, which has its turn to require
execution of an operation, displays, for example, a cross button B92 on a
left end side of the screen in accordance with the controller image which
has been sent from the Web server apparatus SV. It is assumed that the
user has operated a "right" side part of the button B92, as indicated by
an arrow A92.

[0173] At this time, the smartphone S1, which has already finished its
turn, displays an advertisement image W12 as a standby image, which has
been transmitted from the Web server apparatus SV, and disables a touch
operation by the touch panel input unit 19.

[0174] In the second embodiment, the description has been given of, by way
of example, the case in which the terminal, which is other than the
terminal that has its turn and which requires no operation on the game,
is caused to display the advertisement image as the standby image.
However, the present invention is not limited to this example, and it is
possible to display, for instance, some other mini-game, a tutorial, a
guide manual of a game, etc.

[0175] As has been described above in detail, according to the second
embodiment, it is possible to realize an environment in which a
smartphone or a tablet terminal, which is possessed by a general user,
can be effectively used, and a game can be easily enjoyed, with a
personal habit in operation of each user being taken into account.

[0176] In addition, in the second embodiment, when a game on a rotating
basis, such as a card game, is executed, a terminal device in a standby
state, which is other than a terminal device that has its turn, is given
an image which is not directly related to the game, such as an
advertisement image or an image of a game manual, as a standby image.
Thereby, by making effective use of a system in which, unlike a closed
system, images are provided by online from the Web server apparatus SW,
it becomes possible to present various information, aside from the game,
to the users, and to effectively use the standby time.

[0177] In each of the first and second embodiments, the case has been
described that the game is performed by the tablet terminal M and, for
example, four smartphones S1 to S4. However, if users participating in
the game have at least information terminal devices having
touch-panel-type displays, the same game environment can be realized, and
there are no restrictions to the kinds of information terminal devices
used by users, or the concrete contents of controller images.

[0178] The present invention is not limited to the above-described
embodiments. In practice, various modifications may be made without
departing from the spirit of the invention. In addition, the functions
executed in the embodiments may be implemented by being properly combined
as much as possible. The above-described embodiments include inventions
in various stages, and various inventions can be derived from proper
combinations of structural elements disclosed herein. For example, even
if some structural elements in all the structural elements disclosed in
the embodiments are omitted, if the advantageous effect can be obtained,
the structure without such structural elements can be derived as an
invention.